FLOW Northside Arts Crawl 2018This weekend, north Minneapolis lights up with art, music, performance, and community during FLOW Northside Arts Crawl. Organized by the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition, the crawl is a three-day festival that takes place both indoors and outdoors in spaces along West Broadway Avenue. Things kicked off on Thursday with an evening block party. This Friday, there’s art receptions and a farmers market. On Saturday, visitors can tour 35 different sites, from the Mississippi River to Penn Avenue North, featuring 300 artists. Bop around Freedom Square, the Capri Theater, Juxtaposition Arts, and the KMOJ stage for fun, entertainment, and joyful art. Find more info at www.northmpls.org/flow. 3-10 p.m. July 27; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. July 28; Free; some events are ticketed. West Broadway, 2nd St N, Minneapolis.

2018 Northeast Dog Parade
This Friday, the Northeast Dog Parade is returning with an enticing reason for people and pooches alike to get outside and enjoy the heat. The informal gathering is slated to begin in the park across from Wilde Café on historic Main Street in Minneapolis, where hounds will get to know one another in the usual manner of curious sniffs and cautious licks. Once everyone is acquainted, the pup promenade commences with an easygoing loop around the neighborhood. Following the stroll will be a series of fun activities, including awards for dogs who perform the most impressive tricks, dogs sporting the most striking costumes, and dogs who have the closest resemblance to something (or someone) else. A wide range of dog-friendly vendors will also be on hand to offer treats and services. 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 27; Free. Wilde Cafe & Spirits, 65 Main St. SE, Minneapolis. –Brad Richason

Black & White BluesThe M (otherwise known as the Minnesota Museum of American Art) hasn’t closed up shop during its renovation. In fact, the museum with the incredible collection is on the move and more active than ever. This exhibition is one example: A partnership with the Show Gallery and the Lowertown Blues and Funk Fest that presents Marc Norberg’s dynamic black-and-white photographs of iconic blues musicians. During the opening, there will be live music by Erik Christenson, followed by Ken Valdez (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday). Other times, recordings by the performers immortalized in Norberg’s photos will play in the gallery. Those recordings and the photos were collected in a 1995 book, as well. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. July 27-29. Free. The Show Gallery, 346 N. Sibley St., St. Paul; 651-419-8022. –Camille LeFevre

Greenway Glow 2018Summertime bike rides are special. The annual Greenway Glow ride is especially memorable. Each year, the Midtown Greenway Coalition hosts an illuminated, artsy bike festival featuring twinkling art installations, fire artists, and treats. This year there will also be beer, eats from Taco Cat, and ice cream. The festival is free, but those who sign up for the VIP experience will help support the Greenway. Choose from family-friendly, twilight, and nighttime rides. Registration and more info can be found at midtowngreenway.org. Free; $35 for special rides (plus $15 in raised funds). Midtown Greenway Coalition, 2834 10th Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-879-0103. –Jessica Armbruster

Days Between Street FestivalA celebration of the life and times of Jerry Garcia, featuring live music by Kind Country, Lazy Lightning 420, and Camile and Curt. With pizza, beer, an interactive music jam with kids 1-10 years old, and giveaways from the Saint Paul Saints. 2-9 p.m. July 28. Free. Big River Pizza, 280 E. Fifth St., St. Paul; 651-683-2186.

Loring Park Art Festival 2018Loring Park Art Festival, now in its 19th year, features over 140 local and national artists. The event offers a bit of everything, showcasing paintings, sculpture, photography, printmaking, jewelry, glass, and woodworking. There’s also entertainment: Live musicians will stroll through the park and Diversity Street Dancers will perform. You’ll find a wide array of food, snacks, and beverages, including the Lakes & Legends Beer Garden. The new addition is located east of the pond, and will showcase pints from the farmhouse-style brewery, which is located just a few blocks away. Browse, imbibe, and buy some one-of-a-kind art. Find more details at www.loringparkartfestival.com. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 28; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 29; Free. Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis. –Loren Green

Learn to Play Ukulele at Sisyphus BrewingKids and adults ukulele instruction led by Joshua Espinosa, with ukuleles on hand to learn on. RSVP and more info at www.approachablemusic.com/free-ukulele-workshop. 1-3 p.m. July 28; Free; RSVP required. Sisyphus Brewing, 712 Ontario Ave. W., Minneapolis; 612-321-8324.

Block Party, Art, Game Day, and Magic: the Gathering TournamentThis weekend, Light Grey Art Lab and Fallout Gallery will be teaming up for a daylong block party that will offer geeky delights. A variety of board and tabletop games will be available for play. Take a lesson from gaming experts or join a game and make new friends. At Light Grey, you’ll find art prints and books for sale, and a Magic: The Gathering tribute exhibit will be on display. Live entertainment will also take place throughout the day, and food will be available. Head online to sign up for the Magic tournament. 12-7 p.m. July 28; Free. Light Grey Art Lab, 118 E. 26th St., Minneapolis; 612-239-2047. –Jessica Armbruster

The Floating LibrarySarah Peters

Floating LibraryYes, that’s right, it’s a library that floats in the middle of a lake. On this raft you’ll find an oasis of art books and reading material for your pleasure and perusal, along with friendly merfolk librarians who will guide you to reading material that strikes your fancy. To get to the Floating Library, all you have to do is rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle boat, available at the shore. (Paddle boats are highly recommended for their ease and convenience in the reading-and-paddling department.) The library is filled with books created and donated by artists, submitted through an open call process. It’s a great opportunity to check out some zines and indulge in visual delights, all while blissfully soaking in the sun on a beautiful lake. For more info, visit thefloatinglibrary.org. 1-6 p.m. Every Sat. and Sun. from July 21-Aug. 5; Free. Lake Phalen, 1400 Phalen Dr., St. Paul; 651-776-9833. –Sheila Regan

Garden, Art & Music EventTour through local gardens and art, followed by live music from Chris Koza, Romantica, Black Market Brass, and Billy Johnson. Garden and art tour from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., music festival from 3-10 p.m. Tickets and more info at www.tangletowngardens.com. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. July 28. $30-$35 garden and art tour; free for music festival. Tangletown Gardens, 5353 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-822-4769.

Urban Growler's Farmers MarketOn Sundays throughout the summer and into the fall, visitors can shop local at the weekly farmers market outside. You’ll find live music and special beers, plus locally made foods, artisan items, and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Every Sun. from June 3-Oct. 14; Free. Urban Growler Brewing Company, 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul; 612-501-1128.